Joyce Dunn

Reality (?) Shows



Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009

by Joyce Dunn

Does anyone ever question why so many people are enamored with Reality Shows? Or ask why we need to focus only on the darker side of "reality?" Or why we need focus on the infidelities or inappropriate behavior of the latest celebrity? Is it so we have someone to point a finger at, and loudly criticize? Often this type of behavior is a way of making ourselves feel better; after all, we would never act like that.

But, we seem to revel in the discomfort of others. The initial reaction of both the judges and the audience to Susan Boyle's appearance on stage is a prime example. Why does a talent show need to include competition and criticism, sometimes outright ridicule? Why can't we be content to simply watch a showcase of new talent, and let time decide how successful each will become? Which, of course, is what ultimately happens anyway.

We can blame the media for bombarding us with all this "reality." Even national news shows allot an inordinate amount of time to any celebrity that has made any kind of mistake. Newscasters also like to remind us of the "good news" section of their broadcasts. A section that generally amounts to about 1% of the time of the broadcast.

I'm not suggesting we put on blinders and refuse to acknowledge any of the darker parts of our reality. Instead, we could bring our interest in the darker parts of life a little closer to home, and then look for ways to effect some positive changes, rather than simply repeating an "Ain't it awful" mantra.

Before we rush to place all the blame on the media, we need to remember that if something doesn't "sell" they won't continue airing it. If we quit buying this stuff, they will quit selling it. There is a metaphysical axiom that says "What you focus on increases." If we change our focus by refusing to watch reality shows and also let the media and the advertisers know we are not buying what they are selling (the products, as well as the shows) we might be pleasantly amazed at the widespread ripple effect this could have on our country and our own lives.

Joyce has been writing for her own enjoyment for many years, and only in the past few years has gained the courage to "go public" with her writing. She has had two books published, and is involved with the Fine Lines magazine as a special editor. Her writing primarily reflects her own experiences, or the life experiences she has observed in others. She has her own blog, New Post on my blog: http://jottingsfromjoyce.over-blog.com/ Then click on " view comments" in the green box to read the blog.

Her website is www.strinz.com/healing.

Joyce would like to add that she always welcomes constructive criticism comments.

This Article has been viewed 1,076 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)
» left by Linda DeWitt
 2 years 159 days ago.
Interesting article. I don't watch reality shows because I believe as a man thinketh so is he.
 
Linda D
» left by Joyce Dunn 2 years 159 days ago.
33 fans.
I couldn't agree more. Thanks for reading and commenting.
» left by Brianna Popsickle
 2 years 157 days ago.
I agree with  you that people seem to 'revel in the discomfort of others'. I don't understand it either. Some of my favourite performers have come from American Idol, and yet I refuse to watch the show until it's down to the last few contestants who have obvious talent. I can't watch the episodes where people with no talent are made fools of. I don't see the enjoyment in that.Good article Joyce.
» left by Joyce Dunn 2 years 157 days ago.
33 fans.
Thanks Brianna. Hard to understand people sometimes, isn't it? Thanks for your comment
» left by Brad Bahr
 2 years 157 days ago.
6 fans. Follow Brad Bahr on twitter!
The only reality shows I watch are, Intervention and hoarders.
» left by Joyce Dunn 2 years 157 days ago.
33 fans.
Thanks for reading and commenting
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